Chiropractic - Chiro Center

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Did you know, 9 out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches? There are numerous types of headaches, with three of the most common ones are tension-type headaches, migraines and cervicogenic headaches. They often are debilitating, make us stay home from work or school or make us irritable. What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache? Lie down in dark room? Pop a pill and hope it goes away?

Tension-Type headache are usually located on both sides of the head, and can travel from the back of the skull around the head to behind the eyes. It can be episodic (occurring 15 days per month), and usually last for 4-6 hours. Cause of this type of headache varies from emotional stress, sleep deprivation, dehydration, improper diet and poor postural habit.

Migraines are chronic neurological headaches with moderate-severe intensity. Onset is usually around puberty and more prevalent in female than male. The International Headache Society defines migraines as unilateral (one side of head), throbbing/pulsating, and can last up to few days. Along with pain, many experience with light and/or sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. Some also have aura present prior to the onset of headache.

Cervicogenic headache originates from the cervical spine. Muscle tension in the neck and shoulder attribute to this headache start from the base of the skull and travel to the side of the head and behind the eye. Most of them are unilateral and do not change side and can occur at any age. Often associated with poor postural habits, since Americans engage in more sedentary activities than in the past, such as sitting in front of a computer.

Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to ask various questions about the symptoms to determine the cause and type of headache patient is suffering. A Chiropractor also knows how to objectively determine if headaches are mechanical in nature, and if therapy is appropriate. Education on proper work station, ergonomics, therapeutic massage for the neck and shoulder muscles, as well as working on trigger points. Spinal manipulation to improve spinal function along with therapeutic exercises, nutritional advice, such as change in diet or adding supplements are all possible treatment for headache.

If you suffer from headaches, contact Chirocenter to schedule an appointment and begin your path to recovery.